10 Best VPN Of 2023,A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your activity on the internet and keeps your identity hidden while browsing. VPNs provide an extra layer of privacy, enable you to access foreign websites and can provide secure connections for transferring sensitive information.
There are a number of personal and business uses for VPNs, with a wide range of options available on the market. We’ve analyzed the key features you should consider to choose the best VPN service for your needs. Here are our top picks in 2023
A solid and well-tested VPN is a cornerstone tool for maintaining your online privacy. It can also help you get the most out of your online gaming and streaming sessions. A VPN is a service that offers a mobile app, desktop app or other software that encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, preventing your internet service provider from tracking which websites or apps you’re using. At the same time, it stops most of those websites and apps from seeing your actual geographic location, allowing you to access content restricted to certain countries or regions. And, in certain instances, a VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling your internet speeds.
The best VPN delivers a strong level of privacy protection without compromising on performance. Though some people eschew using a VPN in favor of other types of network connections, we strongly recommend using a good VPN for work, particularly if your work involves handling sensitive information.
A VPN can also give you an added layer of security on public Wi-Fi networks, even though they’re far less of a security threat than they were in previous years. In addition, a VPN service lets you bypass content blocks in some countries to access critical news and educational information, while also opening up your streaming entertainment options. And if you’re into streaming live sports, VPNs can also be used tocorrect wrongly applied league blackouts and geographic restriction glitches.
The Best VPNs of 2023
- Private Internet Access: Best Overall
- CyberGhost: Best for International Server Locations
- Torguard VPN: Most Customizable VPN
- NordVPN: Best VPN Add-Ons
- IPVanish: Most Intuitive VPN
- VPN Unlimited (aka KeepSolid): Best Multi-Device User Experience
- ExpressVPN: Smoothest App Interface
- Surfshark: Best for Unlimited Connections
- Windscribe: Best Fully-Free VPN
- Hotspot Shield: Best for Streaming
How VPNs Protect Your Privacy & How They Don’t
You can safely use a VPN on your personal and business devices, and it’s a great way to keep your personal data and browsing habits private. The scrambled data is nearly impossible to decipher, so it’s useless to hackers and sites that want to track that data.
However, VPNs can’t protect against everything you do on your computer, laptop or mobile phone.
A VPN can protect:
- Your identity online
- Data you send and receive online
What a VPN doesn’t protect you from:
- Malware
- Phishing scams
- Data on your devices